Bautista primed for home MotoGP appearance

The Rizla Suzuki rider is prepared for his first premier class race in his homeland at Jerez, and team-mate Loris Capirossi is also excited about returning to a track at which he has fared well in recent years.

This weekend will deliver a very special occasion for Álvaro Bautista as the Spanish rider competes in his first premier class race in his homeland, the Gran Premio bwin de España at Jerez.

It is a circuit the Rizla Suzuki man has enjoyed success at before. He took his first World Championship victory there in the 125cc class in 2006, and twice placed second at Jerez in the 250cc class. Returning as a fully fledged MotoGP rider Bautista is now seeking to score his first points of the 2010 campaign after his hugely frustrating last-lap crash in the opening race at Losail.

“I am still disappointed about Qatar, it was not the best way to start in MotoGP, but this is another race and I must learn from what happened last time,” said the 25 year-old. “I like the Jerez circuit and got on the podium there last year so that is a good sign.”

Bautista concluded by adding: “It will be a big weekend for me because it will be the first time I have raced in Spain for Suzuki, so I hope to put on a good show for all the Spanish fans.”

His more experienced team-mate Loris Capirossi is eager to get back on track as he searches for a 100th Grand Prix podium. The Italian rider has finished fifth (in 2008) and sixth (last season) with Rizla Suzuki at Jerez in the past two years.

“I can’t wait to get to Jerez to start working again; we have gone quite well there in the last couple of years so hopefully things will be good,” said the number 65. “I have used the free weekend well and I have made sure I have kept fit, rather than rest and sit on the beach, so I am ready for the weekend ahead!”